#Japan #Sonic the Hedgehog #SEGA #Sendai #Akiu Onsen

Sonic the Hedgehog Campaign in Akiu Onsen

Sega, in collaboration with WILLER ACROSS and Sendai City in Miyagi Prefecture, is thrilled to announce a special campaign titled "Sonic the Hedgehog × SENDAI – Welcome to Japanese Green Hill Zone @SENDAI AKIU." This unique event will take place from October 14 to December 28, 2026, in the Akiu Onsen area of Sendai, Japan.

The campaign draws inspiration from Sonic's iconic stage, the Green Hill Zone, and seeks to showcase the beautiful natural landscape and rich culture of Sendai, often referred to as the "City of Trees." The theme “Welcome to Japanese Green Hill Zone” will provide Sonic fans around the world with an opportunity to explore the region's vibrant nature, culture, and culinary delights.

Highlights of the Event

Exclusive Trading Cards

During the campaign, visitors will have the chance to participate in a unique tour of the Akiu Onsen area while collecting limited-edition trading cards featuring Sonic and his friends. These cards (five designs in total) will be given to guests who meet specific conditions at participating spots in the area.

Important Note: Trading cards are available in limited quantities and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the official campaign site for details on eligible spots and conditions.

Life-Sized Character Panels

Life-sized panels of Sonic and his friends will be installed at various key tourist locations and facilities throughout the Akiu Onsen area. Visitors can explore the onsen town while enjoying the presence of their favorite characters!

Here’s a list of locations featuring panels and trading card missions:

• - Akiu Sato Center

- Character Panel: Key Art
- Trading Card: Knuckles (Condition: Purchase original tenugui)
- Address: 982-0241, Miyagi Prefecture, Sendai City, Taihaku District, Akiu Town Yuuno Mototerahadahara 40-7
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM / Open year-round

• - Akiu Village

- Character Panel: Sonic
- Trading Card: Sonic (Condition: Purchase collaboration Zunda Shake)
- Address: 982-0251, Miyagi Prefecture, Sendai City, Taihaku District, Moenia Nakatanizaminami 32-1
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM / Closed on January 1

• - Shufu no Mise Saichi

- Character Panel: Tails
- Trading Card: Tails (Condition: Purchase collaboration Ohagi)
- Address: 982-0241, Miyagi Prefecture, Sendai City, Taihaku District, Akiu Town Yuno Yaku 23
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM / Closed on 2nd & 4th Wednesdays

• - Tenshukaku Natural Park

- Character Panel: Knuckles
- Trading Card: Knuckles (Condition: Purchase original tenugui)
- Address: 982-0241, Miyagi Prefecture, Sendai City, Taihaku District, Akiu Town Gembeyuhara 10
- Hours: Varies based on season and facility

• - Tradition Kokeshi, Ganguan Kokeshiya

- Character Panel: Amy
- Trading Card: Amy (Condition: Participate in painting original Kokeshi experience)
- Address: 982-0241, Miyagi Prefecture, Sendai City, Taihaku District, Akiu Town Yuno Kamihara 54-20
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Painting registration until 3:00 PM, needs confirmation)

• - Sendai Kaleidoscope Museum

- Character Panel: Shadow
- Trading Card: Shadow (Condition: Participate in making original kaleidoscope)
- Address: 982-0251, Miyagi Prefecture, Sendai City, Taihaku District, Moenia Matsuba 1-2
- Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM) / Open year-round

Note: The hours and days of operation for various facilities may change without notice. Please check official websites for the latest information.

Special Onsen Etiquette Posters

Visitors to participating lodgings in the Akiu Onsen area will find special Sonic-themed posters that explain onsen etiquette in a fun and engaging way, covering practices such as using the hot springs and towel etiquette.

Unique Collaborations with Traditional Crafts

The campaign features special experiences collaborating with traditional crafts from Sendai and Akiu:
- Sendai Kaleidoscope Museum: A limited-time display of a Sonic-themed kaleidoscope alongside a workshop to create unique kaleidoscopes inspired by the character.
- Ganguan Kokeshiya: Featuring a collaborative kokeshi created by local artisans inspired by Sonic, with an opportunity for visitors to paint their own customized kokeshi.

Exclusive Merchandise

Special Sonic-themed food items and drinks, as well as original merchandise, will be available in the Sendai & Akiu Onsen areas exclusively. Here are some highlights:
- Akiu Ohagi: This well-known local specialty will be available in special packaging featuring Tails.
- Collaboration Drinks at Akiu Village: Unique beverages made using local ingredients will be introduced.
- Original Goods: Merchandise featuring new illustrations of Sonic in traditional attire and kokeshi themes will include T-shirts, acrylic stands, badges, and keychains available only during this event.

About Sonic the Hedgehog Series

Sonic the Hedgehog is a globally recognized character created by Sega, celebrating its 35th anniversary on June 23, 2026. Debuting in 1991, the franchise has sold over 1.77 billion units across various gaming platforms. Sonic has expanded beyond video games into films, animation, music, and merchandise, captivating generations of fans. As he celebrates in 2026, Sonic continues to deliver incredible experiences to fans worldwide.

For updates, visit the official Sonic social media accounts or the Sonic Channel portal.